Do empty rear sight screw holes weaken barrel?

[shawnba67]

Do i need to put a plug or screw into these holes for strength? They are fairly deep and closer to the chamber than i would have put them, but i figure Big Green knows what they're doing. But with the sight removed I've changed the equation minutely. So will these empty spots be weaker empty than with a screw in them?????

 

[Thor]

I do not believe the screw holes for the sight would be structural. Making something critical to the chamber/barrel something a user could remove or change wouldn't make sense.

Which kind of plays back to the question...what would you plug them with that would be acceptable for chamber pressure? What would the next person do? Too many options and possible bad outcomes to make that a design decision.

 

[bstewrat3]

I don't think you have anything to worry about. My T/C Encore in 300 WSM has 6 holes directly over the chamber and has not blown out a hole yet. There is less than .125" between the bottom of the hole and the chamber wall.

 

[Leo]

Not really an issue. I always fill then. Brownell's sells properly sized screws that fill the holes and have just enough head that they do not screw in below flush. They keep crap and rust from growing in the holes, especially if someone in the future ever needs to mount a sight again. Plus, if it makes you feel better, we can say they add an extra layer of protection.

 

[sloughfoot]

Do i need to put a plug or screw into these holes for strength? They are fairly deep and closer to the chamber than i would have put them, but i figure Big Green knows what they're doing. But with the sight removed I've changed the equation minutely. So will these empty spots be weaker empty than with a screw in them?????

Like you, I have often wondered the same thing. I have never had a blow out through one though. Like Leo, I put a screw in to keep crap and rust out of the hole.

 

[jdub8301]

Filling them also ensures the threads do not get damaged.